Melton Mowbray Rugby Football Club
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| Current Year Colts Team 2007 / 2008 season Coaching Staff Steve Kerr Lewis Brooks Fixtures
2006 / 2007 season Coaching Staff Steve Kerr Clive Watts Steve Carter 3rd February 2007 Melton Colts RFC – 29 Aylestone St. James – 0 Melton played host to Aylestone, whom they narrowly beat three weeks previously. The game started fast, with Melton overloading pressure on Aylestone’s forwards. This deemed too much for them to handle, and a turnover from Melton forwards resulted in Cox breaking the line to open the scoring. He added the conversion. From the restart Melton responded, with Pellew catching and the forwards recycling to Warwick who stormed through the middle and offloaded to Goad who scored under the posts. Cox once again added the conversion. Aylestone never really looked like scoring, but any breaks they made were cancelled out by the ever hard working Lennox and Kerr on the back row. Cox began to experiment from the mid field, with two cross field kicks just falling short of the target. Wingers Jackson and Lusis were both unlucky not to go over. A Cox penalty put Melton further ahead before half time. Melton started the second half slow, and it looked like Aylestone might have been able to salvage something, but Melton picked up their game as quickly as they lowered it. Cox scored a further two to complete his hatrick, converting one of them. Excellent work from Hockin at scrum half provided good, secure ball for the backs, and a great effort from Bunker, playing out of position, kept Melton well ahead of their opposition right until the final whistle. Team: P. Prior, J. Pellew, C. Bunker, B. Sanderson, C. Middlemiss, P. Kerr (captain), D. Lennox, M. Towell, M. Hockin, M. Cox, J. Goad, B. Warwick, R. Jackson, M. Lusis, B. Crump.Sub: P. Bett 13th January 2007 Aylestone St. James Colts – 8 Melton Mowbray Colts – 10 Melton travelled to Aylestone to face tough opposition against not only the other team, but also in the weather. Line-outs were easier said than done, but Pellew and Kerr adapted well and secured many a ball. Play was kept tight by both teams, and when any passes were flung out to the wing, the unpredictable wind swirled the ball around, causing all sorts of shenanigans for both teams. It was Melton who put points on the board first, with a well slotted penalty by Crump awarding them a deserved lead. However, Aylestone reacted with a quick break and scored an unconverted try. They added a further three points with a penalty. The Melton defence was better than previous weeks, with B. Warwick and Lennox building the brick wall that stopped Aylestone scoring any more tries. At the other end of the spectrum however, a one-game return for powerhouse Favell caused Aylestone major problems, particularly when his obliterating run lead him through nine Aylestonians. Melton eventually added to their points tally when they stole against the head and broke through the line through Prior, who offloaded to B. Warwick who promenaded over the line unscathed. The extra two points were added by Crump, who beat both the elements and the Aylestone fullback’s charge. After substitutions, Melton started the second half with the wind and the hill. They battled hard against a refreshed Aylestone side, but no further points were added by either team. Wingers Jackson and Lusis had solid games, with Jackson making some fine catches. Team: P. Prior, J. Pellew, M. Favell, C. Bunker, B. Sanderson, P. Kerr (captain), D. Lennox, M. Towell, M. Hockin, B. Warwick, J. Woodward, B. Crump, R. Jackson, M. Lusis, M. Hayes. Subs: P. Betts, S. Carter, G. Martin6th January 2007 Derby RFC Colts – 17 Melton RFC Colts – 5 Melton travelled to Derby for their first game of the New Year missing several key players. With both teams still carrying some Christmas turkey, the game got off to a fairly slow start. It was Derby who scored first when their full back joined the line late, throwing Melton’s defence off guard, and stormed over in the corner. They failed to convert. Melton upped their work rate, but could not match Derby’s sheer size advantage in both the loose and tight. Melton did well to keep possession, but Derby’s inevitable second try came shortly before half time from a well rehearsed pack move, which was also converted. Wingers Carter and Jackson gave solid performances against strong opposition, whilst forwards Lennox and Bunker put in 110% as usual, particularly in defence. Melton got their reward when Lennox was quick to react from an attacking scrum and charge down the fly half’s attempted clearance kick to score Melton’s only points. HT – 12-5 With limited availability on the subs bench, Melton began the second half with a disadvantage to Derby’s reshuffled side. However, they maintained their gutsy attitude and played to their credit. Derby furthered their lead and scored once more before the time was up. A special mention must go to Sanderson and Carter, who both performed well out of position. Team: P. Prior, J. Pellew, C. Stewart, C. Bunker, J. Marman, P. Kerr (Captain), D. Lennox, M. Towell, M. Hockin, B. Warwick, B. Sanderson, B. Crump, R. Jackson, S. Carter, M. Hayes Sub: P. Betts18 November 2006 Market Bosworth Colts - 11 Melton RFC Colts - 0 Melton travelled to Market Bosworth on Saturday, after a struggle to get a team. Melton expected Bosworth’s forwards to be big, and their backs to be quick, and they were not disappointed. Melton began the game precariously, making repeated errors and giving Bosworth ball they didn’t deserve. However, Melton soon picked themselves up and began playing more sturdy rugby. Bosworth opened the scoring with persistent forwards play in the loose. Melton defended well on their own line for a good 12 phases, but Bosworth scored the try that was eventually going to come. They added to their lead with a penalty just before half time. HT – 8-0 Melton regained their passion for the start of the second half, but Bosworth’s big pack continued to pressurise Melton’s, putting them on the back foot and causing them to force errors. Bosworth won a second kickable penalty, and converted to increase their lead. However, Melton prevented Bosworth from crossing the line again with a brick-wall defence, particularly from Watts, youngster Bower and Rose. Team: P.Prior, J. Pellew, C. Stewart, C. Bunker, D. Lennox, P. Kerr (captain), J. Goad, M. Towell, C. Rose, J. Warwick, D. Bower, J. Watts, C. Williams, B. Crump, B. Warwick. Subs: M. Hockin, R. Jackson 11 November 2006 Melton RFC Colts 29 Lutterworth Colts 5 Melton beat Lutterworth for the first time in five seasons on Saturday, putting in immense performance against the former County Champions. With only 15 men, Melton just managed to field a side, but every player in the team played to their maximum capability and earned Melton the result that they very much deserved. It was Lutterworth who opened the scoring in the opening part of the game when they took advantage of an overlap and scored a very orthodox try. However Melton replied immediately when prop Wood, supported by fellow front rowers Prior and Pellew, picked up and drove himself through the Lutterworth pack to score under the sticks. The conversion was added by Cox, who was on excellent kicking form. The Melton forwards continued to maintain the pressure, and their efforts paid off when Prior took a crash ball off the back of a driving maul and steamed through the Lutterworth defence untouched. Cox again stuck the ball through the upright. HT:14-5 Melton looked confident as ever at the start of the second half, with centres Woodward and Crump linking well together and Cox slotting a penalty. Melton were unlucky in some decisions by the referee, with Prior and Kerr both spending 10 minutes in the bin. However, Melton took advantage of a Lutterworth missed penalty when Lennox and Hind ran the ball the length of the pitch and offloaded to Cox who scored in the corner. The home team continued to dominated both the loose and tight forwards play, and the cake was sweetly iced when Lennox drove two Lutterworth players over their own line, stole the ball and spotted it down under the posts, giving Cox the easy job of converting for the 29-5 win. Team: P. Prior, J. Pellew, N. Wood, C. Bunker, B. Sanderson, P. Kerr (captain), D. Lennox, J. Goad, M. Hockin, M. Cox, J. Woodward, B. Crump, R. Jackson, J. Hind, B. Warwick8th November 2006 Belgrave Colts 5 Melton RFC Colts 31 Melton travelled to inner city team Belgrave, expecting nothing more than a tough, intimidating opposition. With the strongest available squad of the season so far, Melton felt confident going into the game, however, knew that Belgrave would be no pushover. Melton started the game on a good note, putting in some big hits and keeping the ball alive. They were deservedly rewarded when the ball was shipped down the line and Williams beat his man to run home from inside his own half. Crump slotted the kick. Melton continued to add the pressure, especially within the tight five with Prior, Pellew, McMullen, Bunker and Grant working well together. Persistent slow ball by the Melton pack resulted in Melton furthering their lead when No. 8 Goad, supported by fellow back rowers Kerr and Lennox, picked up and drove from the back of a ruck and stormed over. Crump one again added the conversion. HT 14-0 With Melton making several substitutions at half time, the substitutions had a chance to prove their worth. And that they did! The arrival of Hind, Cox and Woodward proved too much for the Belgrave backs, and Melton should have scored on several occasions. Throughout the half, Melton pounded away at a sturdy Belgrave defence, but the likes of Hockin and Woodward managed to break through and get their names on the score sheet. Credit finally arrived to Belgrave when the broke through Melton’s burly defence, scoring there only points in the corner. However, this mistake caused Melton to respond, once again, with a powerful break up the middle from Watts, who offloaded to Williams who glided over for his second try. Cox converted to leave Melton with a capable win. Team: P. Proir, J. Pellew, M. McMullen, C. Bunker, R. Grant, P. Kerr (captain), D. Lennox, J. Goad, C. Rose, J. Warwick, J. Watts, B. Warwick, C. Williams, B. Crump, M. Hayes Subs. J. Rudkin, P. Betts, J. Marman, S. O’Brien, M. Towell, S. Carter, M. Hockin, J. Hind, M. Lusis, J. Woodward, M. Cox14 October 2006 Melton RFC Colts – 8 South Leicester Colts – 0 Melton had their strongest team of the season available this week, and they put in their strongest performance yet. South were no pushover, and they proved this from the off by using their big fly half to dictate their game. However, he was no challenge for Melton’s defence, which held extremely well. Melton’s forwards played particularly well in comparison to other performances this season. Melton were winning lots of clean ball from rucks and scrums, and the line-outs were superb in the first half. The front row of Prior, Pellew and Middlemiss had a good game in the tight, whilst Lennox and Goad were always there in the loose. The backs looked confident as ever, with J. Warwick dictating most of the play from fly half. The back three of Cox, Jackson and Hayes looked secure in both attack and defence. About 20 minutes in, Melton lost centre Hensman due to a knee injury. The turning point in the game was when Melton won clean ball off a brilliant line-out, and the ball was whipped down the line to Cox, who, with immense acceleration, skinned their winger and full back to put Melton in the lead. Melton made 5 substitutions at half time, which gave them an extra surge of strength all over the pitch. The game was still played at a fast pace, but it was much less eventful than the first half Melton were trying to extend their lead, whilst South were desperately trying to get back into the game. In the last 10 minutes, Melton were awarded a penalty due to indiscipline by South. J. Warwick took his opportunity to get on the score sheet, and converted the three points with ease to further the lead. Melton recorded a well deserved win, and are looking forward to playing Oadby Wiggs away next Saturday. Team: P. Prior, J. Pellew, C. Middlemiss, B. Sanderson, C. Bunker, D. Lennox, J. Goad, M. Towell, M. Hockin, J. Warwick, B. Hensman, B. Warwick, M. Cox, R. Jackson, M. Hayes. Subs: P. Betts, D. Clements, S. O’Brian, M. Lusis, G. Martin, B. Crump
7 October 2006 Melton Rugby Club Colts 12 Loughborough Senior Thirds 13 Melton’s faced a senior team with many more years experience and size than themselves, but performed very much to their credit. The Melton pack were easily out weighed, but held their own and regularly turned possession. The backs were again outweighed, but had the advantage of youth and speed. From the off, the Melton forwards secured possession which gave the backs a chance to fling the ball around. Centres Hensman and B Warwick ran well off fly-half J Warwick, creating regular opportunities which unfortunately were not finished regularly enough. Loughborough opened the scoring when their centre crashed over on the wing. Melton responded with some good set piece play in the line-out and scrummage. Consistent pressure nearly resulted in winger Jackson, hooker Pellew and full-back Hayes going over; however all were frustratingly turned over. Then, 25 minutes in, B Warwick hit a sweet line and scored under the posts. J Warwick converted to give Melton a 7-5 lead at half time. Melton brought on some fresh legs for the second half, which helped their performance. Melton attacked well, and J Warwick scored a well deserved try. Unfortunately, Melton’s defence slacked and Loughborough took advantage and stole a second try. On the whole, Melton were defensively very competent, and this was shown in the tackling. Particular mention must go to Jackson, who performed well in his first start of the season and put in a great hit on his opposite number. Flankers Lennox and O’ Brian were hitting the rucks first and turning possession all game. Loughborough tactically used their experience in the loose and forced Melton to concede a penalty in the latter part of the game. They converted the kick and held on to win the game by a single point. Team: P. Prior, J. Pellew, C. Middlemiss, C. Bunker, M. McCullen, D. Lennox, S. O’ Brian (C), B. Sanderson, M. Hockin, J. Warwick, B. Hensman, B. Warwick, J. Hind, R. Jackson, M. Hayes. Subs J. Marman, P. Betts, D. Clements, S. Carter, B. Crump,
Previous Years Colts Teams 2005 / 2006 season Coaching Staff Tony Rose Barry Williams Joe Chirico Paul Butt Holland Tour 2005
Off We Go Melton RFC Colts finished their Dutch tour unbeaten winning one match and drawing the other. Rotterdam 29 Melton 52 The tourists started at a fast pace, but had to slow things down to improve their passing. Both side had equal amounts of possession and territory but it was Melton who came out on top scoring 4 tries to 2 in the first half. The visitors took control of the game in the second half tackling hard and moving the ball all over the field. Battling Rotterdam added a brace of tries to their tally but Melton were victorious.
Game One pictures Castricumse 19 Melton 19 On the Sunday Melton travelled to Castricumse RC. This team had never conceded more than 7 points in any game and it was rumoured they were the best in Holland. After a long night on celebrations Melton had to focus on the task in front of them. Melton made a good start defending hard and their pack had their work cut out against an extremely strong opposition. The visitors took an early lead with a converted try before Castricumse replied. The hosts' missed penalty just before half time ensured Melton led 7-5 at the break. The visitors started with a vigorous fast pace to the second half holding on to possession and pushing forward. They won a lineout ball and with excellent passing and explosive running extended their lead. Castricumse fought back with two well worked tries of their own and took the lead 19-12. Melton's determination and enthusiasm kept them going and they played some of their best rugby for a long time. Everyone tackled hard and a monumental team effort with forwards and backs combining brought a well constructed try to draw level. The visitors' solid defence held out and stopped the home side from scoring and Melton almost snatched the win with a late effort but the whistle blew for full time. Team: B.Warwick, A.Wood, C.Williams, J.Warwick, B.Sanderson, C.Rose, M.Rowbotham, J.Rudkin, P.Miller, G.Martin, L.Jones, J.Hind, M.Horne, R.Grant, G.Chirico, D.Clements, J.Bean, D.Burton.
Game Two pictures
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